RAF jets scrambled after Russian bombers spotted off Cornwall

Scrambled: RAF Typhoon aircraft escorted the Russian bombers (Picture: EPA)

EPA

19 February 2015

RAF fighters were scrambled after two Russian bombers were seen off the coast of Cornwall yesterday.

The Ministry of Defence said Typhoons were launched from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire to escort the Russian bear bombers, which were flying in international airspace close to the UK yesterday afternoon.

An MoD spokesman said: "RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft were launched yesterday after Russian aircraft were identified flying close to UK airspace.

"The Russian planes were escorted by the RAF until they were out of the UK area of interest.

"At no time did the Russian military aircraft cross into UK sovereign airspace."

Footage reportedly showing the interception, filmed from a Russian jet, emerged in the wake of the incident, though a spokesman for the MoD said the video did not depict yesterday's events.

He said the footage, published by Russian television channel TV Zvevda, at one point showed a French Mirage jet, which wasn't involved in the incident.

RAF jets appear in the video, but the MoD does not know where and when it was filmed, he added.

RAF jets scrambled after Russian bombers spotted off Cornwall

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